It’s no surprise that the Swiss watchmaking giant’s new launches remain the most anticipated novelties for 2020. So without further ado, we present to you a primer on everything you need to know about Rolex’s new watches for the year.
01 | Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner
The highlight for the year is, undoubtedly, the emblematic Oyster Perpetual Submariner, credited as the first divers’ wristwatch waterproof to a depth of 100 metres. With a slightly redesigned and enlarged case (from 40mm to 41mm) as well as a remodelled bracelet, the superficial changes are subtle, allowing the watch to retain its beloved silhouette.
The greatest overhaul, however, comes from within: both the new Oyster Perpetual Submariner and the Oyster Perpetual Submariner date are equipped with new movements.
The newly unveiled calibre 3230 powers the Submariner while the Submariner date is driven by calibre 3235, used on the Oyster Perpetual Submariner line for the first time. The self-winding in-house movements incorporate Rolex’s super-efficient and anti-magnetic Chronergy escapement fitted with the brand’s exclusive blue Parachrom hairspring.
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Oyster Perpetual Submariner -
Oyster Perpetual Submariner -
Oyster Perpetual Submariner
Both calibres are also equipped with a Perpetual rotor that extends the movements’ power reserve to approximately 70 hours.
Staying true to its heritage, the new Oyster Perpetual Submariner in Oystersteel has a black dial and a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a matching 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert. There are three iterations of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date: in Oystersteel with a black lacquered dial and a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a green Cerachrom insert; yellow Rolesor with royal blue sunray finished dial and a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a blue Cerachrom insert and in white gold with a black lacquered dial and a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a blue Cerachrom insert.
02 | Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust
The new Oyster Perpetual Datejust brings with it several new white Rolesor versions — which combine Oystersteel and 18k white gold — along with some very exceptional colour schemes.
The first colour scheme is a complex aubergine sunray-finish dial (seen above) with 17k white gold Roman numerals, with the VI set with 11 diamonds. Other palettes include mint green sunray-finish dial, a white lacquer dial, and a dark grey, sunray-finish dial.
The updated Oyster Perpetual Datejusts are fitted with Rolex’s calibre 2236, which includes the manufacturer’s patented Syloxi hairspring.
03 | Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The Oyster Perpetual range welcomes several new family members in the form of 41mm and 36mm versions.
The Oyster Perpetual 41 comes in two classic colours: a silver sunray-finish dial with hour markers and hands in 18k yellow gold — a fine retro touch — and a bright black sunray-finish dial with markers and hands in a sophisticated 18k white gold. Prefer a more vibrant piece? You’ll be glad to know that they also come in five colourful lacquer dials.
As for the new 36mm models, they boast Rolex’s Chromalight display, with hands and hour markers finished in a luminescent material that emits an unmistakable — and long-lasting — blue glow in low light conditions. Like their larger counterparts, the 36mm models are available in five fresh colours: candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, coral red and green.
All the new watches are equipped with calibre 3230. They’re also incorporated with the manufacturer’s patented Chronergy escapement — making it both shock resistant and anti-magnetic — extending the power reserve of the new movement to approximately 70 hours.
04 | Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller
Last, but most certainly not least, is the updated Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller. The quintessential traveller’s watch is now offered with the brand’s patented Oysterflex bracelet.
Presented on a classic model for the first time, Oysterflex combines the strength and reliability of a metal bracelet with the comfort and flexibility of an elastic strap because of its revolutionary form: it is composed of flexible titanium and nickel blades moulded in high performance black elastomer.
But it’s not just a pretty face: powered by calibre 9001, one of Rolex’s most complex movements yet, the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller features a dual time zone function, an annual calendar, and the Ring Command system, a user-friendly interface that allows the wearer to select the timepiece’s function through the rotatable fluted bezel. It is available in three iterations; in either yellow or Everose gold.